Grizz Retain Wallace, Hire Stefanski

By Don Wade

The Memphis Grizzlies are bringing in NBA executive Ed Stefanski for a key front office position, according to a Yahoo Sports report, and also have announced that Chris Wallace will remain as general manager and has signed a long-term contract extension.

Stefanski, who has served as general manager for the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, will carry the title of executive vice president of player personnel with the Grizzlies.

Since Grizzlies controlling owner Robert Pera fired team CEO Jason Levien and director of player personnel Stu Lash, Wallace had served as interim general manager.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports cited “league sources” in breaking the story of Stefanski and the Grizzlies reaching an agreement. He reported that Stefanski would report to Wallace.

Stefanski last served as executive vice president of basketball operations in Toronto. He is considered to have good relationships with front office executives across the NBA and with player-agents.

Wallace became GM and vice president of basketball operations in 2007, but was pushed aside when Levien was hired and went a year without setting foot in the team offices.

“I am honored to remain in Memphis,” Wallace said in a statement. “I love the city and the community.”

Pera, in a statement, said: “Chris has been at the forefront and a stable presence throughout some of the Grizzlies’ greatest successes.”